Improved spring-mattress



. tions to fold up, and a mattress is produced of Y tion with the spring bed-bottom, of a mattress in spring-mattresses can be dispensed with,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Cr. W. MITCHELL, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

IMPaovl-:D SPRING-MATTRESS.

Specication forming part of Letters Patent No. 46,573, dated February 28, 1865.

.T 0 all whom it may concern:

Beit known that I, G. W. MITCHELL, of St. Louis, in the county of St. Louis and State of Missouri, have invented a new and Improved SpringMattress; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, in which- Figure l is a transverse vertical section of this invention, the line :v Fig. 2, indicating tleplane of section. Fig. 2 is aplan or top view of the same, partly in section.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts.

This invention consists in the arrangement of a flexible connection between the caps and supporting-Slat of each spring in such a manner that said spring is allowed to bend freely in either direction without allowing the caps to disengage from the supporting-Slat.

-It consists, also, in the use of a guide-cone, in combination with the flexible connection and spring, in such a manner that the top end of the spring is held in place, and its cap is not allowed to shift whatever the position of the springf It consists, further, in the arrangement of exible connecting-pieces between the caps of the several springs in such a manner that each spring has a certain play, independent of the adjacent springs, allowing the several secsuperior convenience and durability.

It consists, also, in the use of steady pins and bars, extending through loops in the under surface of the bottom slats, in such a manner that by said pins and bars the sla-ts can be separated, and when the bars and pins are inserted the several pins and slats are firmly connected.

It consists, finally, in the use, in combina'- studed on the sides as well as on the top, in such a manner that the frame generally used and a bed is produced of superior softness, liexibility, and convenience.

A A A represent a series of springs, which are secured to bottom slats,B, and which support the caps C. I use by preference singlecone springs, because I nd that such springs are less liable to be crushed or bent over sidewise than double-cone springs, generally used in spring beds, chairs, &c. The bottom slats, B, are connected by bars D, which are passed through loops a, inserted in the lower surfaces of said slats, and steady-pins b, passingthrough the ends of said bars and through the end slats, serve to keep the same firmly connected. By removing said pins the bars D can be withdrawn and the slats can be taken apart. The caps C consist of simple square or round plates of wood or any other suitable material. They are connected to the bottom slats by cords c, extending through the center` of the springs, or instead of cords any other flexible connection might be used, and they (the caps) are also provided with guide-cones cl, which project down in the upper ends of the springs, as clearly shown in the drawings. By means of these guide-cones the caps are prevented from being displaced, and still the springs are allowed to bend freely in either direction. By the combined action of the guide-cones and connecting-cords they are always returned to their upright position. The caps ofthe springs are connected by flexible pieces E, of leather or othersuitable material, which are held in place by cords e, passing through suitable holes or eyes, as shown. By means of these flexible connections each spring of my mattress has a certain independent play, whereby the whole structure is rendered much more convenient v and durable than a mattress of the ordinary construction. And, furthermore, by these flexible connections I am enabled to fold onehalf of the mattress on the other, (when the bars D under the bottom slats are removed)4 which is of great convenience in shipping the bed.y The springs are covered bythe mattress F, which is stuffed on the sides as well as on top, and forms a spring edge. No rigid frame is used, and thereby the bed is rendered softer and more convenient than a spring-bed of the usual construction.

My mattress is cheap and simple in its construction. It is very durable, and not liable to get out of order, and, when it does get out of order, it is easily repaired. Each spring can be readily removed without disturbing the adjacent springs and replaced by a new one whenever it is desirable. Further# more, my mattress is easily handled, and it can be packed up 'iria comparatively small compass. This arrangement is applicable to furniture of any kind, such aschairs, sofas, Snc.

I claim as new and desire to secure by Let-- ters Patent- 1. The guide-cones d, in combination with the springs A, cups C, and exibie connections c, applied substantially as andi'or the purpose described. Y A

2. The flexible connecting-pieces E, in combinatiou With the caps C of the springs, ap'- F. Al 

